A British Columbia trucking company is installing Canada’s first Tesla Megachargers. R.R. Plett Trucking has set up two of these 1.2-megawatt chargers at its facilities in Langley and Kamloops.
The company plans to add two more chargers in Golden, B.C., and Calgary, Alberta. These chargers can add up to 60% battery range in around 30 minutes.
R.R. Plett Trucking has ordered 12 Tesla all-electric Class-8 trucks. The company is an early adopter of electric big rigs, having previously deployed eight Class-8 Volvo electric trucks on short-distance routes from the Port of Vancouver.
Trevor Plett, the company’s chief operating officer, said the Tesla semis are a “turning point” due to their lighter weight and longer range. The Tesla Semi weighs under 19,000 pounds and has a range of around 500 kilometers, compared to the Volvo’s 23,000 pounds and 300-350 kilometer range.
Faster Charging, More Efficiency
The Tesla Megachargers will significantly reduce charging times. Currently, the company uses DC fast-chargers, which take around three hours to charge a truck. With the Megachargers, this time will be cut down to 30 minutes.
This faster charging will enable the company to double-shift its trucks. Plett explained that currently, their electric trucks can only operate from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., six days a week, due to the long charging times.
The Megachargers, priced at around US$188,000 each, excluding installation, will also be made available to other trucking companies once installed.
A Long Road Ahead
Despite the benefits, the transition to electric trucks is a “capital-intensive” process, according to Plett. The company aims to electrify its routes over the next three to five years, but acknowledges that it will take time and significant investment.
